Are you sure about the Salvatore pre-infusion?

Yes, but why not call Salvatore up and ask him. That machine has as much pre-infusion as any other solenoid actuated E-61 brew group - essentially zilch. But that does not necessarily detract from its performance as there exists a multitude of similar brew groups that perform very well.

This is where my complete ignorance comes into play. Thanks for the info.

I'm getting the idea that with these two machines, I should pick the one I find prettier.

I would not necessarily limit my choices to two machines. This site has a sponsor, Great Infusions, that has a wealth of info and machines on display. He is in CA like you - maybe 200 miles and worth a day trip?

I have never used a Salvatore, but the short distance between the portafilter and the cup would make me crazy. You should also look at some of the Seattle Coffee Gear videos.

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=Sea...eeGear#g/u

To continue the hilarity. After much soul searching and video watching and weighing of pros and cons with my wife, we decided on the Bezzera BZ07. Mainly for the ability to keep it on however long we liked and not have to worry about timing, etc.

So, I go to order it, and they are out of stock until April at the earliest... The same day, Wendy at Salvatore emails me letting me know they have a slightly cosmetically damaged one ready to ship... Two weeks before I'd have jumped at the chance to not have to wait for the One Black, but now, we have fallen in love with the idea of being able to have it on 24/7 for general convenience, and weekend coffee binges.

Back to the drawing board.

Now, I'm (again) letting my budget creep up and am considering a Quickmill Anita. I got my grinder from Chris, so hopefully I can get a belated package deal.

Any thoughts?

The lack of adjustable OPV would bother me, but why couldn't the Salvatore be left on?
Also, I've never seen a HX machine that didn't have adjustable OPV - are you sure about that?

I went to the Salvatore website and looked at the "Specs" page and there is no mention of OPV, but I also saw no mention of a requirement to turn the machine off. Makes me wonder.....

I do understand the desire to leave the machine on all the time, this is what I did with the Wega before I got my current machine (the GS3 has a timer built in so it is on all day and off at night)

I'm a little surprised to hear that the BZ07's were out of stock, if they're selling that well I would've expected to see someone post a picture of their new machine on here, or hear some reviews. I haven't heard much in the way of hands on impressions.

The Salvatore lacks a vacuum breaker valve, and Wendy says that the pump with overheat if left on for more than about of hour of idle time. It won't hurt the pump, but it will shut down until it's cool enough.

It does not have an OPV either. It's hard-set at the factory.